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Travellers Essentials
Currency
Sucre (Su) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Su50,000,
20,000, 10,000 and 5000. Coins are in denominations of Su1000,
500, 100, 50, 20 and 1.
Currency exchange
It is strongly advised to take currency in US Dollars, as
these are the most easily negotiated in Ecuador (though some
difficulty may be experienced outside of main towns). Foreign
currencies can be exchanged at banks.
Credit cards
MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Diners Club are accepted.
Check with your credit card company for details of merchant
acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised
to take travelers cheques in US Dollars.
Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all except
nationals of Colombia with an identity card.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Ecuador without incurring
customs duty:
a)300 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
b)1 liter of alcohol.
c)A reasonable amount of perfume.
d)Gifts and personal effects.
Import restriction
Prior permission is required for the import of firearms, ammunition,
narcotics, fresh or dry meat and meat products, plants and
vegetables.
Social Conventions
Casual wear is widely acceptable, but business people are
expected to dress smartly. Smart clothes are often required
when visiting hotel dining rooms and better restaurants. Beachwear
should only be worn on the beach and revealing clothes should
not be worn in towns. Smoking is widely accepted.
Tipping
10% service charge is usually added to the bill in hotels
and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Getting There
By Air:
Ecuador's national airlines are SAETA (EH), SAN (WB) and TAME
(EQ). Ecuatoriana (EU) connects Ecuador with the USA and other
South American countries. American Airlines operates daily
flights from London Heathrow to Guayaquil, via Miami.
By Sea:
There are regular passenger/cargo services from Europe.
Getting Around
By Air:
The national airlines SAETA, SAN and TAME fly frequently between
Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations throughout the country.
A number of small airlines serve the coast and eastern part
of the country.
By Road:
Traffic drives on the right. An extensive network of roads
spreads out from the main north-south axis of the Pan-American
Highway.
a)Taxis:
These are widely available, particularly in larger cities
and towns. Fares tend to be cheap but should be negotiated
in advanc.
b)Car hire:
Avis, Budget, National and Hertz car rentals all operate in
Ecuador. An International Driving Permit is not required.
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